Rathlin Energy UK Ltd has applied for a Planning Permission 2 year extension for their Crawberry Hill well site, as they failed to complete their testing in the time they were given by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
The test they want to carry out includes a controversial mini-rack test one that protesters say went wrong at their other site, West Newton on 12th August.
There is only a little over 2 weeks left of the consultation, which closes on the 11th Sept. East Yorkshire residents, businesses, parish councils are being encouraged to have their say by commenting.
Over 50 local residents turned up in a show of support at Crawberry Hill earlier this demanding, “No extension”.
A spokesperson for H.E.Y Frack Off said;
“Rathlin Energy UK Ltd, who have previously boasted of going to great lengths to communicate & liaise with local communities, has not even called a meeting of their Crawberry Hill Community Liaison Committee, never mind held a public meeting, to explain why it needs to double the amount of time required.”
“The application follows a catalogue of incidents by Rathlin at both sites, which have not been properly investigated despite the fact that Rathlin have no previous drilling experience, including a leaking tank, overflowing ditches, spills off the pad and drowned hares.”
In a letter to Jon and Val Mager East Riding Council stated:
“As with any company exploring for minerals, Rathlin Energy remain hopeful that petroleum will be encountered in commercial quantities during its exploratory operations in the East Riding of Yorkshire.”
“These intentions have been made clear from the outset both in the planning application and in the extensive public consultations they have undertaken, pre- and post- planning permission being granted.”
Jon Mager:
“If this is true why did the report to the original report to Planning Committee refer to a temporary drilling well and test and why no reference to Rathlin’s 50 year options to produce oil or gas at both West Newton and Crawberry Hill?”
“Giving Rathlin another 2 years at Crawberry Hill doubles the risk to the local water supplies and local residents in the East Riding and Hull are urged to register their objection by following the link at www.frackfreeeastyorkshire.com/comment “
